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After one round of developer beta testing, Apple unleashed iOS and iPadOS 14 to a wider audience this week, opening it up to members of the public beta program. There are lots of changes and new features to check out, but as with any beta, be careful about installing it on your main devices.


Other major stories this week included our hands-on video with some iPhone 12 dummy units that give a great idea of what the new phones will likely look like, some fresh info on Apple's roadmap for its Mac notebooks as it transitions to Apple Silicon, and some rumors about iPhone 12 pricing.

Check out our video above and read on below for more from this busy week in Apple news and rumors!

iOS 14 Public Beta and More Released!

Start your downloading! Apple has released the first public betas of iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 for members of its free public beta testing program. Watch our hands-on video of iOS 14 for an overview of all of the new features and changes to check out.

ios14handson.jpg

As always, it is recommended that users install beta software on a secondary device if possible, as there is always the potential for bugs, reduced battery life, and other issues during testing. We also recommend backing up your device while it remains on iOS 13.

The first public beta of iOS 14 corresponds with the second developer beta released earlier this week. We've rounded up all of the changes in the second beta, including a home screen widget for the Files app, a slightly redesigned Calendar icon, and more.

Apple has also seeded the fourth developer betas of upcoming iOS 13.6, iPadOS 13.6, macOS Catalina 10.15.6, watchOS 6.2.8, and tvOS 13.4.8 updates for testing.

Hands On With iPhone 12 Models Showing New Sizes and Design

Apple is widely expected to announce four new iPhone 12 models later this year, and ahead of time, we got our hands on physical mockups of the devices for a closer look at their design and sizes.

iphone-12-compared-c.jpg

Following in the footsteps of the iPhone 4, all iPhone 12 models are expected to feature a stainless steel frame with flat edges. At the lower end, a 5.4-inch model is expected to be Apple's smallest new iPhone in over four years, with the device slotting between the original 4-inch iPhone SE and the second-generation 4.7-inch iPhone SE in size.

At the other end of the lineup, the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max is set to become Apple's largest iPhone ever. While not shown on the dummy model, this device is expected to feature a LiDAR Scanner like the latest iPad Pro for enhanced augmented reality experiences.

Apple Silicon Macs to Include 13-Inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air This Year, 14.1-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pro Models Next Year

Noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo this week shared his projections for transitioning Apple's Mac notebook lineup from Intel processors to Apple Silicon, starting with the 13-inch MacBook Pro in the fourth quarter of this year.

14-16-MBP-Comparison-Feature-1.png

Kuo says an Apple Silicon-based MacBook Air would come either around the same time or in the first quarter of 2021, and then the MacBook Pro lineup will transition to Mini-LED displays with "all-new form factor" designs in both 14.1-inch and 16-inch sizes in the second or third quarter of next year.

Taiwanese research firm TrendForce is hearing about similar timing for that MacBook Pro transition, saying that Apple suppliers will begin competing to win manufacturing orders for new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with Mini-LED displays in the first quarter of 2021.

Analyst Believes iPhone 12 Pricing Will Start $50 Higher Even Without EarPods or Charger in Box

Despite multiple reports indicating that Apple will not include EarPods or a wall charger with iPhone 12 models this year, one industry insider believes that pricing will still increase over iPhone 11 models.

iphone-12-no-charger-earpods.jpg

In a research note this week, analyst Jeff Pu forecasted that iPhone 12 pricing will start at $749 for the 5.4-inch model, an increase of $50 over the base model ‌iPhone 11, which costs $699. Pu said the price is primarily attributed to the addition of 5G and an OLED display on all ‌iPhone 12‌ models.

Due to 5G, Pu believes that the price increase will be "accepted by consumers" and "will not affect demand," but it's hard not to envision the move being controversial if the EarPods and charger are in fact removed.

Foreshadowing the move, Apple has been surveying recent ‌iPhone‌ buyers to ask about what they've done with the power adapters that came with their previous iPhones. We've also had a look at what is supposedly a redesigned inner tray for the iPhone 12 box with the charger slot removed.

Apple's Arm-Based Macs With Apple Silicon Chips Will Support Thunderbolt

As part of WWDC last month, Apple announced that it will be switching to its own custom-designed processors for Macs starting later this year, and we continue to learn more specific details about this plan.

thunderbolt-3-ports-macbook-pro-quickfeature.jpg

Shortly after Intel shared details about Thunderbolt 4, launching later this year, Apple has confirmed that it remains committed to the future of Thunderbolt and will support it in upcoming Macs with Apple Silicon.

Thunderbolt 4 won't deliver any increase over the maximum 40 Gb/s available on Thunderbolt 3, but the specification delivers some notable improvements, such as the ability to support docks and other accessories with up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports (one upstream, three downstream).

Apple Shares Inside Look at Upcoming WWII Movie 'Greyhound' With Tom Hanks

Originally intended for theatrical release, war movie "Greyhound" has just debuted on Apple TV+. Ahead of the launch, Apple shared an "inside look" at the film, written by and starring Tom Hanks.

greyhoundappletvplus.jpg

Hanks stars as a longtime Navy veteran who is tasked with protecting a convoy of 37 ships carrying thousands of soldiers and much-needed supplies across the treacherous waters of the Atlantic during World War II.

Apple TV+ can be accessed through Apple's TV app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, PC, Apple TV, select Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, and select Samsung and LG smart TVs. The service can also be accessed at tv.apple.com.

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!

Article Link: Top Stories: iOS 14 Public Beta, iPhone 12 Size Comparison, 14-Inch MacBook Pro Rumors
 

rb24

macrumors regular
Jun 20, 2017
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So, given the thinner bezels (as well as slightly larger physical size), how much bigger is the screen on the iPHone 12 Max compared to the iPhone 11/10 Max ?
 

Falhófnir

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Aug 19, 2017
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So, given the thinner bezels (as well as slightly larger physical size), how much bigger is the screen on the iPHone 12 Max compared to the iPhone 11/10 Max ?
0.2" diagonally - it will be 6.7" vs 6.5" for previous 'Max' phones.
 
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roland.g

macrumors 604
Apr 11, 2005
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0.2" diagonally - it will be 6.7" vs 6.5" for previous 'Max' phones.
I had the 6 Plus and 7 Plus but then the iPhone X. Likely will go for the 12 Pro Max rather than 12 Pro as the X has always felt a bit small and the 12 Pro isn’t much bigger than the X. I do wish the 12 Pro Max was a tiny bit smaller as the old Plus size units pushed the limits of what was a comfortable fit in the pocket.
 
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Falhófnir

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Aug 19, 2017
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I had the 6 Plus and 7 Plus but then the iPhone X. Likely will go for the 12 Pro Max rather than 12 Pro as the X has always felt a bit small and the 12 Pro isn’t much bigger than the X. I do wish the 12 Pro Max was a tiny bit smaller as the old Plus size units pushed the limits of what was a comfortable fit in the pocket.
Personally whatever I go for next will be smaller than my 8 plus (unless Apple surprise us with a near identical SE plus in September ?) I thought the 5.8" (X/XS/11 Pro) form factor looked relatively appealing, though I haven't been willing to switch to a Face ID phone yet. As the under screen Touch ID feature is now meant to have been pushed back to next year I might have to though. The SE was a little disappointing in terms of battery, I was hoping they would have improved that even just a little bit, but they didn't.
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hmm, not enough to upgrade. Have cargo pants and want a phablet!
It might be more of a difference than it sounds like when you have it in the hand? I don't suppose Apple would bother changing it if it was an invisible difference, though I suppose the only way to know is to check it out after it's released.
 
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roland.g

macrumors 604
Apr 11, 2005
7,407
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Personally whatever I go for next will be smaller than my 8 plus (unless Apple surprise us with a near identical SE plus in September ?) I thought the 5.8" (X/XS/11 Pro) form factor looked relatively appealing, though I haven't been willing to switch to a Face ID phone yet. As the under screen Touch ID feature is now meant to have been pushed back to next year I might have to though. The SE was a little disappointing in terms of battery, I was hoping they would have improved that even just a little bit, but they didn't.
[automerge]1594484071[/automerge]

It might be more of a difference than it sounds like when you have it in the hand? I don't suppose Apple would bother changing it if it was an invisible difference, though I suppose the only way to know is to check it out after it's released.
I like Face ID but sometimes I don't. Skiing, bright sunshine, and other factors sometimes make it unreliable. I am using it on a 2 1/2 year old iPhone X and not a XS or 11 Pro generation device, which may be better.

Yesterday I wanted to turn it off for 5 hours while I played golf so I could use the golf app without having to Unlock it every time I went to use it, but you can't turn off Face ID or Touch ID like you could the old Passcodes to unlock without REMOVING all Apple Pay cards and a host of other features. So having a Face ID / Touch ID combo would be great.

I didn't upgrade last year to the 11 series as I didn't see anything that compelling, and so now at a 3 year upgrade cycle, that will be the longest I've used any iPhone generation. My device is showing its age and I am looking forward to the 12 lineup. I would have liked the dual Face/Touch implementation that was rumored, but I won't put off upgrading another year if it is delayed.
 

FelicityW

macrumors regular
Apr 4, 2011
172
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NY->CA->AZ->MI->AZ
This could be the year(s) that Apple finally pries money from me (again). If the 5.4” 12 isn’t crippled, I will get it to replace my Xs.

I will await the 14.1” MBP to replace my 2013 13” MBP. I am waiting for an iPad mini Pro, if that arrives count me in.
 

alecgold

macrumors 65816
Oct 11, 2007
1,334
820
NLD
But will the new iPhones have usb-c? I couldn’t find anything but it would lighten my cable load a bit and be one of the reasons to buy a new phone. Beside that, my X is still performing fine...
 
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